Bachelor of Science in Gerontology

Gerontology is the study of the physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging. The Bachelor of Science in Gerontology degree takes a multidisciplinary approach from these three areas and encourages student growth and individuality.

The Bachelor of Science in Gerontology degree is a 120 credit hour program that includes either an approved second UNO major; an approved UNO minor; or one of three concentrations in Gerontology: Administration (on campus or online); Healthy Aging (on campus only), and Pre-Health (on campus only).

Requirements

General Education: All students complete the UNO General Education requirements.

Gerontology Core: 24 credit hours
• GERO 2000: Intro to Gerontology
• GERO 3000: Community Resources for Older Adults (on campus only) or GERO 4670 Programs and Services (online only)
• GERO 3070: Death & Dying
• GERO 3500: Biology of Aging
• GERO 4460: Psychology of Adult Development & Aging
• GERO 4470: Mental Health & Aging
• GERO 4550: Health Aspects of Aging
• GERO 4690: Working with Minority Elderly

Gerontology Electives: 9 credit hours
Students tailor Gerontology electives to career goals; helping them become more marketable to employers. Students may choose any undergraduate Gerontology courses for this area.

Statistics & Research Methods: 6 credit hours
Students complete 6 hours (two courses) in Research Methods and Statistics, allowing students to be better prepared for management positions and for graduate school.

Gerontology Practicum: 3 credit hours
Students complete 156 hours in a practicum site of their choice. This allows for important real-world experience before graduation.

Gerontology concentration or minor: 18-20 credit hours

Along with the major in Gerontology, choose any approved UNO minor or from one of three concentrations in Gerontology:

Administration Concentration (on campus or online)
GERO 4350 Issues in Aging: Management & Administration of Aging Programs
GERO 4510 Long Term Care Administration
GERO 4520 Senior Housing
Students choose 9 additional credit hours from an approved course listing.

Healthy Aging Concentration (on campus only)
GERO 4560 Nutrition & Aging
RLS/GERO 4420 Recreation for the Aging
RLS 3500 Foundations of Recreation Therapy
Students choose 9 additional credit hours from an approved course listing.

Pre-Health Concentration (on campus only)
GERO 4560 Nutrition & Aging
GERO 4850 Hospice for the Dying & Families
Students choose 12 additional credit hours from an approved course listing.

Our Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the Bachelor’s Degree:
SLO 1: Demonstrate understanding of fundamental interdisciplinary evidence-based knowledge and theories for competent gerontological practice.
SLO 2: Demonstrate critical thinking when analyzing diverse and complex aging issues and outcomes from an interdisciplinary perspective.
SLO 3: Exhibit abilities to effectively use basic communication (written, oral, interpersonal) skills and information technology.
SLO 4: When interacting with others, demonstrate social and cultural awareness, sensitivity, respect, and support of multiple perspectives, and exhibit personal and social responsibility, and ethical and professional behavior in all settings.

Questions regarding the Bachelor of Science in Gerontology can be directed to the Gerontology Undergraduate Academic Advisor:

Heather Ford, MA, CDP
Gerontology Advisor/Program Coordinator
hford@unomaha.edu
402.554.2114 (Office)